American History Tellers The Progressive Era | The New Freedom | 5
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Jun 4, 2025 In 1913, Woodrow Wilson aimed to implement his vision of a 'New Freedom' through aggressive domestic reforms. He faced significant challenges balancing lower tariffs and banking reform with racial segregation issues. As World War I loomed, the tensions between progressive ideals and national conflict intensified. The war's outbreak threatened to derail Wilson's agenda, raising questions about the future of social movements like women's suffrage. Ultimately, the post-war backlash would complicate the legacy of progressivism in America.
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La Follette's Defiant Filibuster
- Senator Robert La Follette fiercely filibustered to block a bill arming U.S. ships that he feared would lead to war.
- Despite threats and chaos, La Follette refused to be silenced, embodying progressive resistance.
Wilson's Triple Wall Reform
- Wilson aggressively targeted the triple wall of privilege: tariffs, banks, and trusts.
- His reforms included tariff reductions, the income tax, Federal Reserve Act, and antitrust laws benefiting labor.
Wilson Defends Segregation Policy
- Black activists confronted Wilson about segregation policies in his administration.
- Wilson dismissed their concerns, defending segregation as beneficial for racial tensions.